From Maknae To Idol’s Idol: How SHINee’s Taemin Really Feels About Being A Role Model To Younger Artists

SHINee‘s Taemin made his long-awaited return to the spotlight following the completion of his mandatory military service in April. Following his return, SHINee celebrated their 15th anniversary and released their eighth studio album, HARD, in June to celebrate the occasion.

Only four months later, Taemin is back, and this time, he’s made his highly-anticipated solo comeback with his fourth mini-album, Guilty.

SHINee’s Taemin | SM Entertainment

To celebrate his solo comeback, Taemin joined fellow ’93-liner Suga to film for the BTS member’s musical talk show, Suchwita, and together, they both discussed what they’ve learned during their rise to the top, the struggles they’ve faced along the way, and the impact they’ve had on others.

SHINee’s Taemin (left) and BTS’s Suga (right) | @bts_bighit/Twitter

While chatting with BTS’s Suga, Taemin noted that “the life of a singer is short, especially as an idol,” though he acknowledged current-day idols seem to be promoting a “lot longer.”

Taemin admitted that as a 15-year idol, he’s at a stage where it wouldn’t be “odd to stop at any given moment.”

Your browser does not support video.

The SHINee maknae continued, saying he felt he needed to prepare for that moment, but he also has an ongoing desire to be loved and try new things to meet peoples’ expectations.

Suga pointed out that there is no shortage of love for Taemin, bringing up the fact that many idols view the SHINee maknae as a role model.

Your browser does not support video.

Suga asked Taemin if junior artists reached out to him to share how he inspired them to become artists, and he confirmed they did.

When asked how he feels when he hears things like that, Taemin admitted it was an “incredible” feeling that seemed to validate his achievements further.

Your browser does not support video.

Taemin modestly added that there’s an “underlying motive of wanting to look good for others,” but ultimately, he wants to be a “source of inspiration” and encourage others as senior artists have done for him.

I want to become someone who can be a source of inspiration to others because other people were that to me. I want to be a part of this virtuous cycle.

— SHINee’s Taemin

Suga acknowledged that Taemin debuted as the youngest member of his group and is now impressively admired by younger artists.

Your browser does not support video.

From maknae to an idol’s idol who celebrated his 15th anniversary, Taemin will surely continue to have a long and inspiring career with his fellow SHINee members.

During the Suchwita episode, Taemin also discussed how he went from having some of the fewest lines in SHINee’s earlier songs to being the first member to make his solo debut.

Check out more on that in the article below!

SHINee’s Taemin Was “At His Limits” Before His Solo Debut